Key Terms Flashcards
1
Q
Abscess
A
a circumcised collection of pus
2
Q
Acoustic Neuromas
A
Benign tumor of the hearing nerve (8th nerve)
3
Q
Acromegaly
A
Disorder marked by progressive enlargement of the head, face, hands, feet, and thorax, due to excessive secretion of growth hormone
4
Q
Adenoma
A
A benign growth formed of glandular tissue
5
Q
Agnosia
A
Absence of the ability to recognize the form and nature of persons and things
6
Q
Agraphia
A
Inability to write due either to muscular coordination issues or to an inability to to phrase thought
7
Q
Amaurosis
A
Loss of vision without a visible lesion in the eye structures or optic nerve
8
Q
Amaurosis fugax
A
Temporary blindness occurring in short periods
9
Q
Amenorrhea
A
Absence of the menses due to causes other than pregnancy or age
10
Q
Amnesia
A
Loss of memory caused by brain damage or be severe emotional trauma
11
Q
Analgesia
A
Loss of sensitivity to pain, loss of response to a painful stimulus
12
Q
Anaplasia
A
In the case of a body cell, a reversion to a more primitive condition. A term used to denote the alteration in cell character that constitutes malignancy
13
Q
Anastomosis
A
A communication, direct or indirect; a joining together. In the nervous system, a joining of nerves or blood vessels
14
Q
Anesthesiologist
A
Physician who administers pain-killing medications during sugery
15
Q
Anancephaly
A
Absence of the greater part of the brain, often with skill deformity
16
Q
Anesthesia
A
Loss of sensation of a body part or of the body induced by the administration of a drug
17
Q
Aneurysm
A
Dilation of an artery, formed by a circumscribed enlargement of its wall
18
Q
Angiogram
A
A medical imaging report that shows the blood vessels leading to and in the brain, obtained by injecting dye or contrast substance through a catheter
19
Q
Angiography
A
Radiography of blood vessels using the injection of a material opaque to x-rays to give better definition to the vessels
20
Q
Anorexia
A
Eating disorder marked by loss of appetite leading to excessive weight loss
21
Q
Anosmic
A
Without the sense of smell
22
Q
Anoxia
A
An absence of oxygen
23
Q
Anti-coagulant
A
Medication that prevents coagulation (clotting) of the blood
24
Q
Antidiuretic
A
An agent that reduces the output of urine
25
Aphasia
Difficulty with or loss of use of language in any of several ways, including reading, writing, or speaking; not related to intelligence but to specific legions in the brain
26
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing
27
Apoplexy
Often used as equivalent to stroke; condition in which there is bleeding into an organ or blow flow to an organ has ceased
28
Arachnoid
Middle layer of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
29
Arachnoiditis
Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane; most commonly seen around the spinal cord and cauda equina
30
Area (Cortical)
Part of the brain having special functions as in 1) Motor - the cortical portion of the brain controlling movement 2) Sensory - the cortical portion controlling sensation
31
Arteriography
Same as angiography - Radiography of blood vessels using the injection of a material opaque to x-rays to give better definition to the vessels
32
Arteriosclerosis
Thickening and calcification of the arterial wall with loss of elasticity and contratility
33
Arteriovenous
Relating to both arteries and veins
34
Arteriovenous Malformation
Collection of blood vessels with one or several abnormal connections between arteries and veins; which may cause hemorrhage or seizures
35
Astrocyte
Cell that supports the neurons of the brain and spinal cord
36
Astrocytoma
Tumor within the substance of the brain or spinal cord made up of astrocytes; often classified from Grade I (slow growing) to Grade III (rapid growing)
37
Ataxia
A loss of muscular coordination, abnormal cluminess
38
Athetosis
Condition in which there is a succession of slow, writhing, involuntary movements of the fingers and hands, and sometimes of the toes and feet
39
Atrophy
A wasting of the tissues of a body part
40
Autonomic Nervous System
Involuntary nervous system; AKA the vegetative nervous system; system of nerve cells whose activities are beyond voluntary control
41
Avascular
Non-vascular; not provided with blood vessels
42
Axon
Part of a neuron that usually sends signals to other neurons or structures
43
Bactericial
Causing the death of bacteria
44
Bacteriostatic
Inhibiting or retarding the growth of bacteria
45
Bell's Palsy
Paralysis of facial muscles (usually one side) due to facial nerve dysfunction of unknown cause
46
Biopsy
Removal of a small portion of tissue; usually for making a diagnosis
47
Blood-Brain Barrier
Barrier that exists between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid, which prevents the passage of various substances from the bloodstream to the brain
48
Bradycardia
Slowness of the heart rate
49
Bradykinesia
Slowness in movement
50
Brown-Sequard's Syndrome
Loss of sensation of touch, position sense, and movement on the side of a spinal cord lesion, with loss of pain sensation on the other side; caused by a lesion limited to one side of the spinal cord
51
Carcinoma
Cancer, a malignant growth of epithelial cells or gland cells
52
Carotid artery
Large artery on either side of the neck that supplies most of the cerebral hemisphere
53
Carotid sinus
Slight dilatation on the common carotid artery at its bifurcation containing nerve cells sensitive to blood pressure; stimulation can cause slowing of the heart, vasodilatation, and a fall in blood pressure
54
Carpal Tunnel
Space under a ligament in wrist through which the median nerve enters in the palm of the hand
55
CT Scan
(Computed Tomography Scan) A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a 3D map of soft tissue or bone
56
Catheter
A small tube used to inject a dye to see the blood vessels, similar to that used for looking at vessels in the heart; may also be used to facilitate drainage
57
Cauda equina
Bundle of spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the spinal cord and filling the lower part of the spinal canal
58
Caudate nucleus
Part of the basal ganglia which are brain cells that lie deep in the brain
59
Cerebellum
Lower part of the brain that is beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum; regulated unconscious coordination of movement
60
Cerebrospinal fluid
Water-like fluid that circulates around and protects the brain and spinal cord
61
Cerebrum
The principal portion of the brain; occupies the major portion of the interior of the skull and controls conscious movement, sensation, and thought
62
Cervical
Of or relating to the neck
63
Chiasm (Optic)
Crossing of the visual fibers as they head toward the opposite side of the brain; for each optic nerve, most of the visual fibers cross to the opposite side while some run directly backward on each side without crossing
64
Chorea
Disorder, usually of childhood, characterized by irregular, spasmodic, involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles
65
Choroid Plexus
Vascular structure in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid
66
Coccyx
The small bone at the end of the spinal column formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae; AKA tail bone
67
Coma
State of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be roused
68
Concussion
A disruption, usually temporary, of neurological function resulting from a blow or violent shaking
69
Contrast Medium
Any material (usually opaque to x-rays) employed to delineate or define a structure during a radiologic procedure
70
Contusion
A bruise; cerebral contusions often involve blood vessels that leak into brain tissue
71
Coronal Suture
Line of junction of the frontal bones and the parietal bones of the skull
72
Cortex
The external layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum
73
Cranium
Part of the skull that holds the brain
74
Craniectomy
Excision of the portion of the skull
75
Craniopharyngioma
Tumor arising from the embryonic duct between the brain and pharynx
76
Cranioplasty
The operative repair of a defect of the skull
77
Craniosynostosis
Premature closure of cranial structures, limiting or distorting the growth of the skull
78
Craniotomy
Opening of the skull, usually by creating a flap of bone
79
CSF
Cerebral spinal fluid
80
Depressed skull fracture
A break in the bones of the head in which some bone is pushed inward, possibly pushing on or cutting into the brain
81
Diabetes Insipidus
Excretion of large amounts of urine of low specific gravity; the inability to concentrate urine
82
Diffuse axonal injury
Damage to the axons of many nerve cells that lie in different parts of the brain
83
Diffuse brain injury
Damage to the brain that can affect many parts of the brain, often in a subtle fashion; examples include diffuse axonal injury and inadequate blood flow
84
Diphenylhydantion
Dilantin; a medication used to control seizures
85
Diplopia
Double vision due usually to weakness or paralysis of one or more of the extra-ocular muscles
86
Disc
The intervertebral disc - cartilaginous cushion found between the vertebrae of the spinal column; may bulge beyond the vertebral body and compress nearby nerve root, causing pain; Terms "slipped" or "ruptured" or "herniated" disc are often used interchangeably even though there are subtle differences
87
Doppler
Non-invasive study that uses sound waves to show the flow in a blood vessel and can be used to determine the degree of narrowing (percent stenosis) of the vessel; a wand is placed on the skin over the vessel that is to be imaged; no risks and not painful
87
Dome
Round balloon-like portion of the aneurysm which usually arises from the artery from a smaller portion called the neck of the aneurysm
88
Dura / Dura Matter
A tough fibrous membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space; outermost layer of the three membranes
89
Dysesthesia
Condition in which ordinary touch, temperature, or movement produces a disagreeable sensation
90
Dysphasia
Difficulty in the use of language due to a brain lesion without mental impairment
91
Dystonia Musculorm Deformans
An affliction, occurring especially in children, marked by muscular contractions producing distortions of the spine and hips
92
Edema
Excessive accumulation of fluid generally in the extracellular or intracellular areas of the brain
93
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram
94
Electromyography (EMG)
Method of recording electrical currents generated in a muscle during contraction
95
Endarterectomy
Removal of fatty or cholesterol plaques and calcified deposits from the internal wall of an artery
96
Endocrine gland
Gland that furnishes an internal secretion, usually having an effect on another organ
97
Endocrinopathy
Any disease due to abnormality of quantity or quality in one or more of the internal glandular secretions
98
Ependyma
The membrane lining the cerebral ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord
99
Ependymoma
A growth in the brain or spinal cord arising from ependymal tissue
100
Epidural
Immediately outside of the dura matter; same as extradural; also a form of local analgesia and anesthesia often injected into the outer section of the spinal canal
101
Epidural hematoma
A blood clot between the dura matter and the inside of the skull
102
Epilepsy
Disorder characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, causing abnormal sensation, movement, or level of consciousness
103
Falx (cerebri)
An extension of the dura between the right and left hemispheres of the brain
104
Fontanelle
Normal openings in the skills of infants; the largest of these is the anterior fontanel or "soft spot" in the middle of the head
105
Foraminotomy
Surgical opening or enlargement of the bony opening traversed by a nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal
106
Fusiform aneurysm
A sausage-like enlargement of the vessel
107
Galactorrhea
Discharge of milk from the breasts unassociated with nursing or childbirth
108
Gamma Knife
Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using gamma rays
109
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
The most widely used system of classifying the severity of head injuries or other neurologic diseases
110
Glasgow Outcome Scale
Widely used system of classifying outcome after head injury or other neurologic diseases
111
Glia (or neuroglia)
Major support cells of the brain; involved in nutrition and maintenance of neurons
112
Glioma
Tumor formed by glial cells
113
Glioblastoma
Rapidly growing tumor composed of primitive glial cells, mainly arising from astrocytes
114
Globus pallidus
Part of the basal ganglia, which are brain cells that lie deep in the brain
115
Hemangioma
Aggregation of multiple, dilated blood vessels
116
Hematoma
Collection of blood outside of the blood vessels
117
Hemianopia
Loss of vision of one-half of the visual field
118
Hemiatrophy
Atrophy of half of an organ or half of the body
119
Hemiplegia
Paralysis of one side of the body
120
Hemorrhage
Bleeding due to the escape of blood from a blood vessel
121
Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP)
Extrusion of the central portion of an intervertebral disc through the outer cartilaginous ring; material can compress the spinal cord or nerves in or exiting the spinal cord
122
Hormone
Chemical substance formed in one gland or part of the body and carried by the blood to another organ which it stimulates to functional activity
123
Hydrocephalus
Condition, often congenital, marked by abnormal and excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles; this dilates the ventricles and (in infants and young children) causes the head to enlarge
124
Hydromyelia
Expansion of the spinal cord due to increased size of the central canal of the cord which is filled with CSF
125
Hyperacusis
Abnormal acuteness of hearing or auditory sensation
126
Hypersthesia
Excessive sensibility to touch, pain, or other stimuli
127
Hypertension
High blood pressure
128
Hypothalamus
Collection of specialized nerve cells at the base of the brain that controls the anterior and posterior pituitary secretions; involved in other basic regulatory functions such as temperature control and attention
129
Infundibulum
Stalk extending from the base of the brain to the pituitary gland
130
Intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation device
Pump that is inserted into the main vessel of the body (the aorta) to help the heart deliver blood to critical organs such as the brain or kidneys
131
Intra-arterial catheterization angiography
An invasive study in which a catheter is placed in the artery and contrast material is injected to which makes the blood vessels visible on an X-Ray image. The catheter is inserted in the groin into the femoral artery (the artery to the leg) through a needle, and is guided into the arteries in the neck and head.
132
Intracerebral Hematoma
Blood clot within the brain
133
Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Overall pressure inside the skull
134
Intraoperative cisternography
Administration of a contrast dye into the ventricles, which are chambers in the brain that control brain fluid
135
Ischemia
Inadequate circulation of blood generally due to a blockage of an artery
136
Jugular veins
Major veins on each side of the neck draining blood from the head toward the heart
137
Labyrinth
The internal ear; comprised of the semi-circular canals, vestibule, and cochlea
138
Lamina
The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal
139
Laminectomy
Excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae
140
Laminotomy
An opening made in a lamina
141
Leptomaninges
Two thin layers of fine tissue covering the brain and spinal cord; the pia matter and the arachnoid
142
Leukodystrophy
Disturbance of the white matter of the brain
143
Leukoencephalitis
Inflammation of the white matter of the brain
144
Linear accelerator
Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using X-rays
145
Lipoma
A benign fatty tumor usually composed of mature fat cells
146
Lordosis
Curvature of the spine with convexity forward
147
Lumbar drain
Device (usually long, thin, flexible tube) inserted through the skin into the cerebral spinal fluid space of the lower back; provides a method of draining CSF
148
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
A non-invasive study that is conducted in a magnetic resonance imager (MRI). The magnetic images are assembled by a computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and neck.
149
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than X-rays.
150
Median Nerve
Nerve formed from the brachial plexus that supplies muscles in the anterior forearm and thumb as well as sensation of the hand; may be compressed or trapped at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome
151
Medulloblastoma
Tumor composed of medulloblasts which are cells that develop in the roof of the fourth ventricle (medulary velum)
152
Meninges
The three membranes covering the spinal cord and brain termed dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater
153
Meningioma
Firm, often vascular, tumor arising from coverings of the brain
154
Meningitis
Infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
155
Meningocele
Protrusion of the covering of the spinal cord or brain through a defect in the skull or vertebral column
156
Meningoencephalitis
Inflammation or infection of the brain and meninges
157
Meningoencephalocele
A protrusion of both the meninges and brain tissue through a skull defect
158
Myelin
Fat-like substance that surrounds the axon and forms an insulating material
159
Myelogram
X-ray of the spinal canal following the injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebral spinal fluid spaces
160
Myelopathy
Any functional or pathological disturbance in the spinal cord
161
Myelomeningocele
A protrusion of the spinal cord and its coverings through a defect in the vertebral column
162
Myopathy
Any disease of the muscle
163
Neuralgia
A paroxysmal pain extending along the course of one or more nerves
164
Neurectomy
Excision of part of a nerve
165
Neuritis
Inflammation of a nerve; may also be used to denote non-inflammatory nerve lesions of the peripheral nervous system
166
Neuroblastoma
Tumor of the SNS, found mostly in infants and children
167
Neurofibroma
Tumor of the peripheral nerves due to abnormal collection of fibrous and insulating cells
168
Neurofibromatosis
A familial condition characterized by developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles and skin, marked by numerous tumors affecting these organ systems
169
Neurohypophysis
Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
170
Neurolysis
Removal of scar or reactive tissue from a nerve or nerve root
171
Neuroma
Tumor or growth largely made up of nerve fibers and connective tissue
172
Neuropathy
Any functional or pathological disturbance the PNS
173
Nystagmus
Involuntary rapid movement of the eyes in the horizonal, vertical or rotary planes of the eyeball
174
Occiput
The back part of the head
175
Oligodendroglia
Non-nerve cells (see glia) forming part of the supporting structure of the CNS
176
Oligodendroglioma
A growth of nerve cells derived from the oligodendroglia
177
Ophthalmoplegia
Paralysis of one or more of the eye muscles
178
Osteoma
A benign tumor of bone
179
Osteomyelitis
Inflammation of bone due to infection which may be localized or generalized
180
Papilledema
Swelling of the optic nerve head that can be seen in the back of the retina during eye examination
181
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower part of the body including legs
182
Peritoneal cavity
Body cavity in which the abnormal organs are situated
183
Pituitary
Gland at the base of the brain that secretes hormones into the blood stream; hormones then regulate other glands including the thyroid, adrenals, and gonads; "Master Gland"
184
Polyneuritis
Inflammation of two or more nerves simultaneously
185
Porencephaly
Abnormal cavity within brain tissue using results from outpouching of a lateral ventricle
186
Post-Ictal
State following a seizure often characterized by altered function of the limbs and/or mentation
187
Propioception
Sensation concerning movements of joints and position of the body in space
188
Pseudotumor cerebri
Raised intracranial pressure usually causing only headache and papilledema; no clear underlying structural abnormality
189
Quadrantanopia
Defect in vision or blindness in 1/4 of the visual field
190
Quadreiplegia
Paralysis of all four limbs
191
Rachischisis
Abnormal congenital opening of the vertebral column
192
Radiation oncologist
Medical doctor with advanced training in the treatment of persons receiving x-ray treatment for an illness
193
Radiation Physicist
A person having a PhD degree trained in the science dealing with the properties, changes and interactions of continuous energy.
194
Radiologist
A medical doctor who has received specialized training in interpreting X-rays, CTs, MRIs and performing angiography
195
Radiotherapy
Treatment of a lesion with radiation
196
Saccular aneurysm
Balloon-like outpouching of a vessel (more common type of aneurysm)
197
Scotoma
Area of decreased vision surrounded by an area of less depressed or normal vision
198
Shunt
Tube or device implanted in the body to divert excess CSF away from the brain to another place in the body
199
Spina Bifida
Congenital defect of the spine marked by the absence of a portion of the spine
200
Spinal fusion
Operative method of strengthening and limiting motion of the spinal column that can be performed with a variety of metal instruments and/or bone grafts
201
Spondylolsthesis
Forward displacement of one vertebra on another
202
Sponsylosis
Degenerative bone changes in the spine usually most marked at the vertebral joints
203
Stenosis
Narrowing
204
Stereotactic
Originating from the Greek "stereo" meaning 3D and "tactos" meaning touch; techniques for surgical treatment or scientific investigation that permit the accurate positioning of probes inside the brain or other parts of the body, based on three-dimensional diagrams
205
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Precise delivery of radiation to a preselected stereotactically localized target
206
Strabismus
Deviation of eye movement that prevents the two eyes from moving in a parallel fashion
207
Subarachnoid hemorrage
Blood in or bleeding into the pace under the arachnoid membrane, most commonly from trauma or from rupture of an aneurysm
208
Subdural Hematoma
Collection of blood (clot) trapped under the dura matter (the outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
209
Syringomyelia
Fluid filled cavity in the spinal cord
210
Teratoma
Tumor or growth made up of several different types of tissue (e.g., fat, bone, muscle, skin)
211
Thrombus
Blood clot attached to the wall of an artery
212
Thalamus
Brain cells which lie in the upper part of the brainstem
213
Transsphenoidal Approach
Operative method of reaching the pituitary glad or skull base by traversing the nose and sinuses
214
Trigeminal neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)
Paroxysmal pain in the face; pain may be so severe that it causes in involuntary grimace or "tic"
215
Ultrasound
Use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures
216
Valve
Device placed in a shunt system to regulate the rate and direction of CSF flow
217
Vasoconstruction
Decrease in the diameter of blood vessels
218
Vasopressin
Hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary that raises blood pressure and increases re-absorption of water by the kidneys
219
Vasopressor
Agent that constricts the arteries and raises bp
220
Vasospasm
Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter
221
Ventricle
Cavities or chambers within the brain that contain the CSF; two lateral ventricles and midline third and fourth ventricles
222
Ventriculitis
Inflammation and/or infection of the ventricles
223
Ventriculogram
X-ray study of ventricles
224
Ventriculostomy
An opening into the ventricles of the brain, achieved by inserting a small thin hollow catheter; serves as a means to relieve pressure from the brain and spinal cord
225
Ventricular Drainage
Insertion of a small tube into the ventricles to drain CSF; usually performed when pressure is increased
226
Vermis
Middle part of the cerebellum between the two hemispheres
227
Vertebra
Any of the 33 bones of the spinal column
228
Vertigo
Abnormal sensation of rotation or movement of one's self or the environment
